Varekai and Red - Again!

Mum and I went to Cirque du Soleil's final NZ performance of Varekai on Sunday - oh my goodness! I am SOOOOO pleased I made the effort to see it. What a fantastic show. The sheer strength, agility, flexibility and passion of the cast was breath-taking in a 'I'm completely lost for words but will happily whoop and cheer' sort of way. If you have the opportunity to see Varekai, or for that matter any Cirque du Soleil performance - do not hesitate! See an early session so that you have time to see it again before the season is over!

After the show we headed up to Red for dinner, and met Simon there. We wanted to go to One Tree Grill from a location standpoint, however they're closed on Sundays. :(

Ok - last time I blogged Red, I commented that Simon was including it on his list of favourite restaurants. This time - I have now decisively placed Red at the top of my list and hereby name it my favourite restaurant. Fantastic meal, great service, really friendly, really helpful, excellent attention to detail. Ooh, and gorgeous wine.

What did we eat this time?
Starter:

• the shared tasting plate of the hummus (with a delicious lemony twist), olives (full of flavour), duck pate (sooo smooth and delicious) and a variety of breads.

Simon:

• the Venison again. :) And a delicious red wine that he can't remember what he ordered. Oops!

Jane:

• Lamb rump on mint and sweet pea risotto. Fantastic - the lamb was beautifully smoky and the risotto a really nice match with this.

Mum:

• Calamari - this was quite honestly THE most tender calamari I have ever eaten. I didn't know that calamari had the potential to be melt-in-the-mouth tender, but this was truly that tender. I'll be ordering it next time we visit.

to share:

• seasonal vegetables - beans and broccoli and delicious (but then I'm a bit partial to green beans!)

Love Red. :)